If you receive Universal Credit, you may now receive the Housing Element directly.
This means you are responsible for paying your rent to Council Housing. If you need assistance, please call the Freephone Universal Credit Helpline on 0800 328 5644.
Can I Ask For An Advance Payment Of My Universal Credit?
You can ask for an advance payment of Universal Credit to help you get by while you're waiting for your first payment. This is called a ‘short term advance’.
Without a short-term advance it will take at least 5 or 6 weeks after you apply for Universal Credit to get your first payment. This is a loan and will have to be re-paid.
If you are unsure how to apply for an advance payment, please call the Freephone Universal Credit Helpline on 0800 328 5644.
To Help Me With My Situation, Are There Any Alternative Arrangements Available For How I Receive My Universal Credit?
Yes, you may apply for the following arrangements:
• You can have money paid directly to your landlord for rent - this means your rent will automatically get paid each month from your Universal Credit payment
• Your Payments can be provided weekly or fortnightly instead of monthly - this can help prevent you from running out of money if you’re struggling to make your payment last a whole month.
• Your payments can be split into two bank accounts instead of one (couples only) - this can help you manage your money yourself if you have responsibilities that are different to your partner’s, or if you’ve been a victim of abuse and want to manage your money yourself.